Page Text Content
the pacific
south island explorer
ORIgInAl
15 days, ex Christchurch
itiNerary... Day 1 christchurch Take a stroll through Cathedral Square or soak up some culture at the vibrant Arts Centre. Days 2-3 Mt cook Travel through the Canterbury plains, a patchwork *plus Local Payment NZ$300
Physical culture shock
landscape of crops, dairy farms and grazing sheep. The spectacular Aoraki (Cloud Piercer), Mt Cook, stands at 3,754 m. There are optional alpine walks in the area through a stunning backdrop of mountains, lakes, streams and glaciers. Days 4-6 Queenstown From the adrenaline rush of bungee jumping to a gentle ride on a historic steamboat down the Shotover River, scenic Queenstown has something for everyone. Days 7-8 Milford sound Kayak through the stunning fjords. There are also options to visit nearby glow-worm caves, take a scenic flight or scuba dive in this region of waterfalls, rainforests, lakes and peaks. Days 9-10 Wanaka Nestled between the Southern Alps and a pristine glacial lake, Wanaka is a haven for watersports. Days 11-12 Franz Josef Glacier Clamp on some crampons and walk into a world of ancient ice and rock on the Franz Josef Glacier. There is also time to cycle, hike or simply relax against the forested backdrop of Westland National Park. Day 13 Pub stay Stock up on jade souvenirs at Hokitika before settling down to some New Zealand home-style cooking, and a brew or two, at the local pub. Days 14-15 christchurch Delve into local history at Arthurs Pass and the Otira Valley before boarding the Tranz Alpine Railway, passing labyrinthine gorges and beech forests en route to scenic Christchurch and its many attractions.
Between the peaks, Mt Cook - Cameron Gaze accoMMoDatioN Hotels (2 nts), motels (9 nts), hostels (2 nts), pub (1 nt) traNsPort Train, coach, minibus, kayak, walking GrouP siZe Max 12 Meals No meals included BuDGet Allow NZ$600 for meals not included DeParts Selected Sat GuaraNtee Departure guaranteed Notes Some accommodation may have shared facilities traVeller ratiNG 4.82 out of 5 start 2008 12 Jan 26 Jan 09 Feb 23 Feb 08 Mar 22 Mar 05 Apr Finish 26 Jan 09 Feb 23 Feb 08 Mar 22 Mar 05 Apr 19 Apr 19 Apr 03 May 04 Oct 18 Oct 01 Nov 15 Nov 29 Nov 13 Dec 27 Dec 03 May 17 May 18 Oct 01 Nov 15 Nov 29 Nov 13 Dec 27 Dec 10 Jan 2009 10 Jan 24 Jan 07 Feb 21 Feb 07 Mar 21 Mar 04 Apr 18 Apr 24 Jan 07 Feb 21 Feb 07 Mar 21 Mar 04 Apr 18 Apr 02 May 02 May 16 May 16 May 30 May
" admire the dramatic scenery of Mt cook " experience the beauty of Milford sound " Go ice-trekking on Franz Josef Glacier " stay in a local pub
triP coDe
PSS
fiji explorer
ORIgInAl
8 days, ex Nadi
itiNerary... Day 1 Nadi Surrounded by sugar cane fields and flanked by the Nadi River, the gateway to this Fijian exploration is also a religious centre for Hindus and Muslims, with the Sri Siva *plus Local Payment US$150
Physical culture shock
Subramaniya temple the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere. Days 2-3 Namatakula Village Travel to the heart of Viti Levi, passing the fertile Sigatoka Valley on the way to the village of Namatakula, located on the coral coast. A traditional welcome here includes a kava drink, made from root crop, and a ceremony which includes Fijian dancing and singing. Later enjoy a lovo meal cooked in the ground, islander-style. Day 4 suva Fijis capital is a beautiful harbour city perched on a hilly peninsula. A fascinating blend of communities make up the diverse ethnic population of Suva, giving it a unique cosmopolitan flavour. Take a tour to hear the history of the city, see the rich, traditional architecture set between modern buildings, and visit the National Museum and Botanic Gardens. For a dose of nature, the Colo i Suva Forest Park offers many trails with glimpses of waterfalls, indigenous flora and scenic vistas. Day 5 Nadi Catch a glimpse of everyday Fijian lifestyles, passing through villages, farms and roadstalls on the route back to Nadi. In town, there is a chance to stock up on souvenirs or enjoy the local nightlife. Days 6-8 yasawa islands The archipelago of volcanic islands is where Pacific fantasies come to life against a backdrop of pristine white sands, clear waters and lazy palm trees. Swim, snorkel, visit a local village or simply relax in the knowledge that this is as close to paradise on earth as it can get.
accoMMoDatioN Hotels/guesthouses (3 nts), hostels (2 nts), homestays (2 nts) traNsPort Minibus, boat, local bus GrouP siZe Max 12 Meals 4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners BuDGet Allow US$100 for meals not included DeParts Selected Sun (May-Dec) GuaraNtee Departure guaranteed Notes 1. The trip finishes on arrival in Nadi at around 6:00pm on day 8. 2. Some accommodation may be multishare traVeller ratiNG 4.62 out of 5 start 2008 11 May 25 May 08 Jun 22 Jun 06 Jul Finish 18 May 01 Jun 15 Jun 29 Jun 13 Jul 20 Jul 03 Aug 17 Aug 31 Aug 14 Sep 28 Sep 12 Oct 27 Jul 10 Aug 24 Aug 07 Sep 21 Sep 05 Oct 19 Oct 26 Oct 09 Nov 23 Nov 07 Dec 2009 10 May 24 May 02 Nov 16 Nov 30 Nov 14 Dec 17 May 31 May 07 Jun 14 Jun 21 Jun 28 Jun 05 Jul 12 Jul
triP coDe
" learn about traditional singing and dancing from islander locals " experience a true tropical paradise in Fiji " admire the lush scenery of the yasawas
Fiji With over 300 islands, each fringed with sun-kissed beaches and coral reefs, Fiji is paradise. A sea of smiling faces & fascinating fusions of culture. Experience a traditional welcome, before relaxing on the beach. Mark Ridley
Intrepid Photography Competition 2007, Fijian paradise, Fiji - Amy Weiner
PSF
105
|
inbro